MSc delivers exceptional MTBF for converters in rail traffic
16.10.2024
In the past 25 years, MSc has delivered thousands of converters to Škoda Group’s coaches used in Finland Railways’ (VR) long-distance trains. All of the nearly 100 double-decker coaches, restaurant cars, car-carrier wagons and sleeper coaches running on Finnish rails today carry MSc converters. The converters convert the voltage from the overhead line for various appliances on the trains, e.g., lights, doors, air conditioning and heating.
MSc’s converters are designed to meet highly demanding requirements for reliability and availability. They are expected to be fully operational for 18 hours daily, year round, in demanding weather conditions ranging from -40 to +35 degrees Celsius.
During a follow-up period of 8 years no coaches were reported inoperative due to converter failure of MSc’s battery chargers or socket supply converters. The average age of the converters in operation currently reaches 15 years. MSc’s analysis of the maintenance data from 2016–2023 shows exceptional MTBF results:
ACDC40 Battery charger
- Number of units in use: 550 pcs on average
- MTBF 2016–2023: 239 921 hours, i.e. 27 years.
DCACAC3000 Socket uninterruptible supply converter
- Number of units in use: 360 pcs on average
- MTBF 2016–2023: 184 667 hours, i.e. 21 years.
“Our exceptional MTBF is not based on theoretical calculations but on actual, measurable maintenance data,” says Pekka Seppälä, Managing Director. “The high MTBF score is due to the robust design and quality components of MSc’s converters.”
MSc Traction is currently working on converters for Škoda Group’s new batch of sleeper coaches and car-carrier wagons, with delivery date set for 2025.
